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Close/dear/near to somebody’s heart

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Emotional ExpressionPlay
Used to express deep personal feelings, often about topics that strongly affect one's life. SlideGuarding the environment is near to my heart, as I grew up in the countryside.
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Not Always LiteralPlay
The phrase can be metaphorical, not meaning physical closeness, but emotional connection. SlideThis old guitar is dear to my heart; it belonged to my grandfather.
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Possessive NuancePlay
Can imply a sense of personal responsibility or a desire to protect what's mentioned. SlideChild welfare remains close to her heart; she was once a foster child herself.